Surface embedded collapsible support

ABSTRACT

A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object and embedded into the object surface thus becoming an integral and complementary part of it. The support which is characterized by its thinness makes it appropriate for integration into small portable objects such as calculators and personal digital assistant and to objects having an articulated cover such as a ring binder or an agenda, without affecting significantly the physical properties of the objects such as its shape and its robustness nor its simplicity or manufacturing cost. It is made up of a rigid mobile part, that alternatively combines the roles of support and that of peripheral structure, and of a flexible band that are attached together and to the remainder of the peripheral structure of the object by three articulations. The support may be formed as an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The object of this invention is to provide a collapsible supportthat can be embedded into the surface of an object in order to raise it,to tilt it or to hold it distant or at an angle with another surface.

[0003] The collapsible support is preferably integrated into small flatportable objects such as a calculator, a personal digital assistant, apocket computer, a test equipment or an audio device, or into objectshaving an external rigid cover that may include articulations such as aring binder, a book or an album, and for which it is desirable todissimulate a support that is deployed occasionally or folds up duringthe transportation, and for which it is needed to integrate such asupport without affecting significantly the physical characteristics ofthe object such its shape or its robustness nor its simplicity or itsmanufacturing cost.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] The first objects group preferentially aimed by the inventioncorresponds to portable articles such as calculator, personal digitalassistant, pocket computer, portable audio devices or other similararticles.

[0006] These portable articles are designed to be compact and easilytransportable and for these reasons they are often designed flat.Unfortunately these articles, particularly those that have a liquidcrystal display, become difficult to read and use because of the visionangle caused by their flat shape when they are posed on a workingsurface.

[0007] Some are conceived to improve the lack of readability by offeringthe possibility to tilt the display, as for the U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,160.However, in addition to requiring a certain assembly complexity, thisapproach is not always appropriate. In certain cases for example, thedisplay occupies almost complete surface and cannot be folded.

[0008] Various approaches were proposed to tilt the device itself andthus to solve the problem.

[0009] The use of a distinct rigid support on which one deposits thedevice is an effective solution allowing improving the vision angle butwhich does not allow a great portability. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,460 isan example of such a support.

[0010] The approach consisting in making such a support foldable allowsto decrease the size for transport or when tilting is not necessary.Even when folded these supports occupy a relatively small volume, butthey still occupy a significant additional volume compared to the sizeof the device alone. That approach requires in addition to transport twoobjects, which is another disadvantage. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,980 isan example of a distinct folding support.

[0011] Folding supports made up of a rigid mobile planar sectionpermanently attached under the device were proposed. The U.S. Pat. Nos.4,113,212 and 4,940,204 are two examples. In these approaches, thelocking of the rigid mobile support in the open position is done at ornear the hinge. It thus requires strong material to counter the levereffect, which tends to fold up or to open wider the support whenpressure is applied. The necessary stability is obtained by increasingthe robustness of the hinge to the detriment of overall dimension of thedevice. This is not satisfying when a very small device is required.

[0012] Another approach consists in combining the function of supportwith that of a protective case. This approach is used for the U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,259,568 and 4,989,926. It is applicable when the case surroundscompletely the device, and thus when a significant quantity of materialsis used. Such overall protection is not always necessary. For severaltype of device such as calculator or pocket computer, it is possible todecrease the quantity of materials and nevertheless to offer a goodprotection by adding a protective lid only to the top of the computer,thus protecting the keyboard and the display. Such protective lids aredescribed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,234, 5,682,182 and 6,178,085.

[0013] A bump integrated into the lid of the first of these threepatents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,234) is used as a tilting support when thelid is put under the computer by making it slip along groove up to theback of the device. However this bump is permanent and does not offer asufficient tilting.

[0014] For the second patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,182), one uses the lidon the top which when folded back constitutes one of the two partsforming a support. The second part being embedded with the back of thedevice. The lid, the embedded part and the device itself form a rigidtriangle that constitutes the support. This approach is advantageous inthat it does not increase the overall size of the device. On the otherhand it requires some assembly: one has to insert one of the two mobileparts in the other. Moreover, this approach is only applicable that forthe articles which have a lid.

[0015] In the third patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,085), a mobile lidprotecting the liquid crystal display on the front swivels to the backto serve as a rigid support. Yet simple to use, this approach howeverrequires the assembly of many parts at manufacturing. Moreover, the partconstituting the swivel mechanism occupies a considerable volume.

[0016] All these approaches generate either an increase in volume, asubstantial material addition, an increased assembly or usagecomplexity, or a combination these elements. In addition, theseapproaches generally impose significant constraints on the deviceappearance.

[0017] The support of the present invention overcomes thesedisadvantages.

[0018] A second objects group preferentially aimed by the inventioncorresponds to objects made up of an articulated rigid cover such as aring binder or a book.

[0019] Various devices allowing tilting such objects so to facilitateusage were proposed.

[0020] For examples, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,451,694, 2,778,153, 3,135,532,3,224,792 and 4,576,497 propose the tilting of binders by using a devicethat is attached to the area of the cover where the binder assembly islocated, thus leaving the front and back covers free. The device is anarrow rigid structure that serves as a back strut when the binder isput on a flat working surface and tilted backwards. The bottom of thebinder assembly and the bottom of the front and rear covers, whichremain open by gravity, provide another support, rectilinear, in thefront.

[0021] Because the back strut is relatively narrow and because the frontrectilinear support is constitute by the cover which is free to fold up,this approach does not allow a great stability when all the content islocated on the same side or if pressure is applied on one side as forwriting for example. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,177 uses a similar approachin which a great stability is obtained, but it is only applicable forvery broad, multiple documents binders.

[0022] The U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,883,209, 4,015,863, and 4,552,479 presentanother approach. It consists in using the higher part of the cover,that is to say approximately the upper half, which when folded uptowards back becomes a strut. The narrow binder assembly, which containsthe rings, remains straight and become the only upper support for thecontents. The triangle formed by the higher and lower parts of the coveris maintained to an acute angle with a device attached to the binderassembly and is used as stop in contact to the center of the higher partof the cover, preventing it to unfold. This approach has the drawback ofnot offering a back support to the contents in the upper corners areas.The paper sheet contents can then bend if a light pressure is applied,unless some additional stiff material sheets are added. Moreover,because the angle between the upper and lower part of the folder coverare maintain folded by a single centralized stop, the triangle tends toopen in its extremities if pressure is applied on the sides of thecontents.

[0023] The U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,334,920, 4,355,821, 4,609,206 and 5,709,549present a similar approach in which the lower part of the cover isfolded up towards the back to constitute the support, whereas the lowerbinder assembly remains straight and becomes the front support.

[0024] Still here, the cover does not support a large area of thecontents when used as part of the support.

[0025] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,533 presents an interesting and aestheticapproach, but which does not allow a complete opening of the cover whenthe support is used. Stability is also not really good.

[0026] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,767 shows a design for which a flatmember serving as a support is hinged on top of the cover and maintainedat a limited angle with flexible bands attached to the bottom edge ofthe cover to form a triangular stand. Because that member is foldedflatly on top of the object cover, a displacement due to materialthickness occurs during cover folding. That displacement requires aspecial rivet type hinge that has an aesthetic impact, and causes theflexible band to torsion and to not fold perfectly flat. In addition,this conception requires additional material and makes the externalmember cumbersome.

[0027] The collapsible support of the present invention allows tiltingof an articulated hard cover article without requiring substantialmaterial addition while offering a great stability and an adequatecontents support. In addition it allows a neat visual appearance,whether collapsed or not, similar to that of the original articles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The invention consists of a collapsible support made up of agenerally rectangular rigid part that serves as support, and of aflexible band. These two parts are connected between them and to theperipheral structure of an object (its case, its protective lid or itscover for example), over their full width by three parallelsarticulations. Deployed, the set forms a stable triangular support.Folded up, the rigid part hides the flexible band and becomes acomplementary section of the object peripheral structure for which itfills the same function, of protection for example.

[0029] The support can be integrated to objects having an articulatedrigid cover such as a ring binder.

[0030] In addition of being embedded into the object surface, thecollapsible support made up of a rigid mobile part, a flexible band andthe object external structure, may be formed as an integral one-piece,one shot, injection molding of a plastics material such as polypropyleneor a copolymer of butadene and styrene.

[0031] An alternative of the invention consists of a self-adhesivesupport that is applies to an article not originally equipped with asupport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the drawings which illustrate the invention,

[0033] FIGS. 1 to 3 show the integration of the support to the case of apocket computer from various points of view, whereas the support isdeployed. FIG. 1 is a perspective front view, FIG. 2 is a is aperspective back view and FIG. 3 shows a side view of the pocketcomputer standing on a working surface;

[0034]FIGS. 4 and 5 present from a perspective view this same pocketcomputer whereas the support is collapsing in the first figure andcompletely folded up in the second;

[0035] FIGS. 6 to 9 show from various cross-sectional views details ofthe support of the pocket computer. FIG. 6 is a longitudinalcross-sectional view of the deployed support whereas FIG. 7 presents thesame cross-section for the folded up support. FIG. 8 presents thesupport folded up from a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the twopreceding ones and which corresponds to the top of the support, whereasFIG. 9 corresponds to bottom;

[0036]FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively cross-sectional and inside viewsof the same support presented in an arrangement allowing an integralone-piece, one shot, injection molding;

[0037] FIGS. 12 to 14 show the integration of the support to a wallettype calculator case. FIG. 12 shows a top view of the calculator and itsopen case, whereas the collapsible support is folded up. FIG. 13 showsthe same from a side view whereas the case is open and the support isdeployed. FIG. 14 is also a side view, but here the support is folded upand the case is closed;

[0038] FIGS. 15 to 17 show an alternative of the support, which is here,integrated into a sliding protective lid of a calculator, and whosealternative consists in using one of the components of the support tomaintain the support in collapsed state. FIG. 15 is a side view of thecalculator inserted in its protective lid in protection mode, with itssupport folded up. FIG. 16 corresponds to the same configuration with aview from the lower end of the calculator. FIG. 17 shows the calculatorinserted in its protective lid, in a usage mode, whereas the support isdeployed;

[0039] FIGS. 18 to 21 show from longitudinal cross-sectional views ofthe same previous application how the support is deployed, and how it ismaintained in its collapsed state. FIG. 18 shows the support completelydeployed, FIG. 19 shows it when being folded, FIG. 20 shows a componentof the support in it phase to be folded back under the surface of thelid and finally FIG. 21 shows how this component is maintained by thecalculator under the surface of the lid;

[0040]FIG. 22 shows the side of a digital oscilloscope for which twosupports, shown here deployed, are combined in order to elevate and totilt the oscilloscope. FIG. 23 corresponds to the same article from anunderneath view and for which the front support is shown folded up andthe back support is shown deployed;

[0041] FIGS. 24 to 27 show from different views a ring binder having arigid cover and equipped with a collapsible support. FIG. 24 shows thisarticle whereas its support is folded up and its cover closed. FIG. 25is a back view whereas its cover is opened and its support folded up.FIG. 26 shows the article from a side view laying on a working surfacewhereas its cover is opened and its support deployed. FIG. 27 is aperspective view from beneath whereas the cover is opened and thesupport deployed;

[0042]FIG. 28 is a perspective back view of a similar article but forwhich a small pocket is added to the support, and for whom thegeometrical shape of one of the components of the support differsslightly;

[0043] The FIG. 29A is a perspective back view of a collapsible support,which is attached to the surface of a pocket computer. The FIG. 29Bshows the construction of this support from a flat plastic strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In contexts requiring tilting or elevating an object from anothersurface or maintaining a spacing or an angle between two surfaces, itcan be desirable for various reasons to use a support that iscollapsible, simple, compact and robust without having to significantlymodify the design of the object nor to require a substantial materialaddition.

[0045] The present invention fulfills these requirements.

[0046] The recommended approach consists of combining to a generallyflat, rectangular and rigid member both the function of support and thatof external structure of an object, that is to say its case, itsprotective lid or its cover. These two functions being ensured inalternation by the mobility of the rigid member that is attached to theremainder of the object by an articulation.

[0047] FIGS. 1 to 3 show from various points of view such a supportintegrated into the case of an object, which is here a pocket computerincorporating a liquid crystal display 2 and buttons 3. On these figuresthe support is shown deployed. FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively front andrear perspective views of the pocket computer and its support. FIG. 3 isa side view of the article posed on a working surface 16 represented ina cross-sectional view.

[0048] The support is made up of a mobile rigid part 4 attached to thebottom of the case surface 8 with an articulation 5. This articulation 5is located between a linear section of contour of the mobile part 4 andthe corresponding linear section internal to the framework 17 formed bythe area where the mobile part is embedded. The liberty of rotation ofthis mobile part 4 around the articulation axe 5 is limited by aflexible band 6 which is attached on one end near the other side of themobile part 4 with an articulation 7 and on the other end to the surfaceof case 8 along another linear section of contour internal to theframework 17 on the bottom of the article by another articulation 9.

[0049] The axes of the three articulations 5, 7 and 9 are parallelbetween them and form a triangle in the plan that is perpendicular tothem. The shape of this triangle is clearly visible in FIG. 3.

[0050] The shape of this triangle and consequently the stability of theinclination of the pocket computer laying on a working surface 16 areensured by: the rigidity of the mobile part 4, the rigidity of thebottom surface of the case 8, the resistance to elongation of theflexible band 6, the gravitational force of the pocket computer whichcauses the opening of the mobile part 4 which is in contact with theworking surface 16 and which also cause to tighten the flexible band 6.

[0051] The distribution of the multiple forces over the width of eachcomponent of the support provides a great robustness even when very thinand easily dissimulated components are used. This is a significantaspect of the invention.

[0052] The flexible band 6 consists of two sections 11 and 12 linkedtogether by another articulation 10 parallel to the others three.

[0053] All these articulations are in this case create by a thinningalong their axis of the plastic of which the support is made up. Aprotective internal sheet 13 prevents external objects to come incontact with the electronic components located inside the pocketcomputer.

[0054] The strip 14 and the notch 15 into which it fits are provided tograb and deploy the mobile section. This functionality is more explicitfrom the figures that follow.

[0055]FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the support is folded up and embeddedinto the case surface 8.

[0056]FIG. 4 shows the support in its way to be collapsed. Thus, themobile part 4 started a rotation around the articulation 5 connecting itto the lower surface of case 8. The flexible band 6 started to foldalong the articulation 10 connecting the two parts 11 and 12. One caninitiate the folding of the support by pressing the central area of theflexible band 6 in direction of the articulation 5, and completing it bypressing directly on the mobile part 4 toward the pocket computer.

[0057] The rigidity of parts 11 and 12 is sufficient for them todissimulate flatly between the mobile part 4 and the protective internalsheet 13. These two parts 11 and 12 are preferably as thin as resistanceand rigidity allows it while allowing a flat fold. In anotherpreferential embodiment, one could combine a rigid part with a flexiblepart, the first tightening the second when folding up, or to combine twosemi-rigid parts. In still another preferential design, the flexibleband 6 could be made up of flexible material such as fabrics whose oneend would be stuck to the mobile part 4 and whose other end would bestuck to the surface of case 8.

[0058]FIG. 5 shows the support completely folded up and dissimulatedwithin framework 17 of case surface 8 to become part of it. The strip 14fits into notch 15 practiced in the case surface 8.

[0059] FIGS. 6 to 9 show the construction detail of the support.

[0060]FIG. 6 shows from a cross-sectional view of the deployed supportthe components mentioned previously and a notch 50 included into theinternal face of the mobile part 4. This notch sized to fit parts 11 and12 of the flexible band when the support is folded.

[0061]FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 correspond to the folded support. FIGS. 7 and 9show how parts 11 and 12 of the flexible band are placed one faceagainst the other inside notch 50.

[0062]FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively cross-sectional views perpendicularto those of FIG. 7 along the dotted lines A and B. FIG. 9 shows thebevel edges 53 of the mobile part 4 and of border 54 of the case surface8. The extremity edge 51 of the mobile part 4 and the corresponding edge52 of the case surface 8 are also in bevel. These edges in bevel 53, 54,51 and 52 constitute a physical constraint on which the mobile part comeup against, thus limiting the rotation of the mobile part 4 around thearticulation axe 5 to an orientation making this mobile part coplanar tosurface 8. One could prefer to use a different design for which thephysical constraint would come from edges which would be integrated intothe inside of the surface of case 8. In another design, various internalparts to object could limit the penetration of the mobile part of thesupport into the surface.

[0063]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken in the centerof the support and showing a particular arrangement of the articulationsallowing an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of aplastics material such as polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene andstyrene. FIG. 11 is a view from the inside of the support for this samearrangement.

[0064] Such a collapsible support could also be embedded on the surfaceof a not perfectly plane object by having its mobile part shapeharmonized to the object external surface.

[0065] FIGS. 12 to 14 show the same support in a different application.Here it is integrated into the protective case of a booklet typecalculator. As before, the collapsible support is used for tiltingpurpose, but this time the support is used in an inverted mannercompared to preceding application.

[0066]FIG. 12 is a top view of the calculator 101 comprising a display102, buttons 103 and a protective case 125 that is showed open. On thisfigure the collapsible support not deployed.

[0067] Case 125 is made up of vinyl 124 covering a paperboard 123. Thevinyl cover 124 is sealed on its edge and along its central articulation126 by heating.

[0068]FIG. 13 is a side view whereas the support is deployed and thecase is open. The support thus allows maintaining an angle between thecase surface 125 and the lower part of calculator 101.

[0069] As for the pocket computer describes previously, the support ismade up of a mobile part 104, a flexible band 106 which is constitute oftwo parts 111 and 112 linked together by an articulation 110, andarticulations 105, 107 and 109. Articulations 105 and 109 respectivelybind the mobile part 104 and the flexible band 106 to a rigid planarsection 108 into which it fits in when the support is folded. It alsoincludes a strip 114 and a notch 115. The rigid plane section 108 isinserted in cover 124 in which an opening 127 is practiced allowing thedeployment of the support.

[0070]FIG. 14 is a side view of the calculator and its case. In thisfigure the support is folded up and the case is closed.

[0071] These three figures also show the lower end of the calculatorthat is connected to an edge 122 of the case with a Velcro (trade mark)fastening 121. Two other Velcro fastenings 120 are attached under thecalculator upper part and the corresponding facing position on the caseinside surface 125 in order to maintain the computer in place when thesupport is folded up. During the deployment of the support, the Velcrofastenings 120 separate, the 120A part remaining stuck to the calculatorand the 120B part remaining stuck to the case 125, as showed on FIG. 13.

[0072] For a slightly different application, an alternative to theinvention adds a significant additional functionality.

[0073] This alternative consists in using the flexible band to maintainthe support in its folded position. This alternative can be appliedwhenever there is temporarily access to sufficient space inside theobject to allow folding back of the flexible band.

[0074] This is the case for the type of calculator illustrated in FIGS.15 to 21.

[0075] This calculator 201 has a removable protective lid 208.Calculator 201 is provided with two grooves 260 along its sides allowingthe edges 261 of the lid 208 to slip into and thus to maintain the lidattached to the calculator.

[0076] To obtain a protection, calculator 201 is inserted in its lid208, buttons 203 facing lid 208 as illustrated on the FIGS. 15 and 16that are respectively side and end views. For these two figures thecollapsible support is folded up. Articulation 210 is the only visibleon FIG. 16.

[0077] To be usable, the calculator is inserted with its buttons facingup as illustrated on FIG. 17, which shows calculator 201 with itscollapsible support deployed. It is made up of: a mobile part 204, aflexible band 206 which is constitute of the two parts 211 and 212linked together by an articulation 210, and articulations 205, 207, 209.Here still, the articulations are built by a thinning of the plastic ofwhich the support is made up.

[0078] The deployment and the folding of the support are done whereasthe lid is withdrawn in order to allow the folding back of the flexibleband. FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate from cross-sectional views how it isdone. It consists in folding back part 212 up to the back of surface 208of the protective lid inside of which a cavity 275 is integrated topartly place the flexible band and to make a thinner arrangement. Inanother preferential embodiment, one could prefer not to use a cavity inorder to maximize the robustness of the lid.

[0079]FIG. 21 is cross-sectional view showing a section of calculator201 inserted in its lid 208 whereas its support is shown folded up.Thus, it is no more possible to deploy the support, which is blocked bythe calculator. The rigidity of part 211 of the flexible band ensures afirm maintain of part 204, which remains embedded in lid 208.

[0080]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate how two collapsible supports can becombined to raise and incline a digital oscilloscope.

[0081] In this application, two collapsible supports are integrated intothe bottom surface 308 of a digital oscilloscope 301 comprising a liquidcrystal display 302 and buttons 303.

[0082] In FIG. 22, the oscilloscope is shown from a side view, with itssupports deployed, and put on a working surface 316 shown from across-sectional view. FIG. 23 is a bottom view showing the front supportfolded up and the rear support deployed.

[0083] The front support is constitute of a mobile part 304A, a flexibleband made up of two rigid parts 311A and 312A linked together by a hinge310A, and the hinges 305A, 307A and 309A. Similarly the back support isconstitute of a mobile part 304B, a flexible band made up of two rigidparts 311B and 312B linked together by a hinge 310B, and the hinges305B, 307B, 309B. The back and rear supports are placed respectively inthe cavities 317A and 317B located in surface 308 of the case.

[0084] For this application, piano type hinges was used. Trapezoidsshapes were given to the sections 311B and 312B to reduce the quantityof material while keeping a good robustness of the support. In the sameway, it would be possible to subdivide the sections 311B and 312B indistinct parts distributed along their articulations. Several smallercollapsible supports could also be used.

[0085] FIGS. 24 to 27 illustrate another significant aspect of theinvention and show the integration of the collapsible support in anarticle having an articulated rigid cover. The article shown is a ringbinder having a foldable cover. This type of cover generally consists ofpaperboard covered with a vinyl material or is entirely made up of aplastic sheet material. Here, the figures illustrate a ring binder madeof plastic sheet material. The binder ring assembly having a series ofrings is of standard construction. This is of particular interest of theinvention regarding manufacturing costs. The invention is compatiblewith other rigid or semi-rigid material cover, and with other binderassembly such as clips bonding, vertebrate spiral page retainer andconventional bookbinding.

[0086] On FIG. 24 the cover is folded whereas for the three followingones it is open. On FIGS. 26 and 27 the support is deployed.

[0087]FIG. 25 shows the cover made of three sections which are: a frontcover 508A and a rear cover 508C which are respectively connected to aside cover 508B by two vertically aligned hinges pairs 526A and 526A′,and 526B and 526B′. The central area of this cover forms a rectangularframework 517 which is occupied by a mobile part made up of three rigidsections 504A, 504B and 504C connected between them by the verticalhinges 527A and 527B which are the continuation of the vertical hingesof the cover. The three sections 504A, 504B and 504C of this centralpart are respectively connected to the sections 508A, 508B and 508C by asingle horizontal hinge 505.

[0088] This central part constitutes the mobile part of the collapsiblesupport. Its vertical hinges are thus integrating the continuation ofthe cover hinges to allow folding, as illustrated on FIG. 24. When thiscentral part and the remainder of the cover are flatly open, the supportcan be deployed by rotation around hinge 505 until full extension ofband 506, as illustrated on FIG. 26. In this figure, which is a sideview of the ring binder having its cover open, its support deployed andresting on a working surface 516 that is shown in cross-section, it ispossible to see the binder ring assembly made of rings 522, ringsopening levers 521A and 521B and spine bar 523. This ring binderassembly is fastened near its ends to the side cover by rivets 520A and520B, which are apparent on FIGS. 24, 25 and 27.

[0089]FIG. 27 is perspective view from the bottom of the same articleshowing a vertical separation in two parts of the flexible band. On onepart, sections 511A and 512A of the flexible band, which are connectedbetween them by a hinge 510A respectively, connect the end of thesection 504A to the section 508A of the cover by the hinges 507A and509A. On the other part, sections 511B and 512B of the flexible band,which are connected between them by a hinge 510B respectively, connectthe end of the section 504B to the section 508B of the cover by thehinges 507B and 509B.

[0090] The vertical splitting of the flexible band over a region wherethe cover fold allows a better cover folding. Here this region alsocorresponds to the binder assembly region. However the collapsiblesupport could also be integrated on binder having its binder assemblyattached to rear cover instead of side cover.

[0091] In another design, the flexible band could be folded back underthe cover to maintain the support folded up as previously described.

[0092] The described hinges arrangement combined to an angle between themobile part 504 of the deployed support and surfaces 508 of the coverless than 90 degrees have the benefic effect of maintaining the coveropen when the support is deployed, thus facilitating the binderhandling. On the opposite the hinges arrangement alone has the beneficeffect of maintaining the support folded up when the cover is close.However, in order to obtain a firmness folding of support, a similardesign could include Velcro fasteners on surfaces parts 511A and 511Band on their counterpart 512A and 512B facing them. In another similardesign, Velcro fasteners could be fixed to the back of section 504B andto the back of the binder ring assembly 523.

[0093] Because only a small part of the cover (which representapproximately a sixth of total surface) is missing from the cover whenthe support is deployed, the binder content is supported on a large arealocated in periphery. This allows a good support to the content. For amore rigid support, a design in which a thin sheet is attached orsuperimposed on the cover from the inside can be used. Well attached tothe cover, this sheet, while thin, nevertheless offers a good supportbecause stresses will be applied as tension as for the skin of a drum.This sheet could be attached to the rings of the binder instead orlocated between the binder ring assembly and the cover and fixed inplace by the rivets 520A and 520B.

[0094]FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional rear view of a ring binder similarto the one of the previous figures, but which has a small transparentpocket 530 attached to its support and into which a sheet of paper 531is inserted. This pocket can be used to display a document title orrelevant information to an audience facing a speaker for example. Therounded corner support also differs in shape from the previousrectangular one.

[0095] Printing or embossing information displayed on the externalsurface of the mobile part of the support is also possible.

[0096] The integration of the collapsible support to an articulatedcover may not always involve the continuation of all of the cover hingeson the mobile part of the support. This is the case for a portfoliohaving a paper clip on its back cover upper border. In that case, theweight of the contents is always kept in the vertical axe of the backcover, and thus it is not necessary to extend the support beyond to theback cover. No continuation of the cover hinges will be necessary inthis case. As another example, a ring binder having its side cover sowide that the mass center of the content would be always locatedsomewhere over the side and rear cover will requires the integration ofonly one hinge of the cover.

[0097]FIGS. 29A and 29B show a collapsible support which is attached tosurface 708 of a pocket computer 701 by two self-adhesive bands 727A and727B.

[0098] This support is manufactured from a single polypropylene strip750 having a thickness of 0.5 mm, which is shown flat on FIG. 29B. Thesupport is made up of: a mobile section 704 which serves as support, thesections 711 and 712 which are folded up under the first section whenthe support is folded up, and extremities 726A and 726B which sticks tosurface 708 with the self-adhesive bands 727A and 727B. Hinges 705, 707,710 and 709 ensure the folding and the deployment of the support asillustrated on FIG. 29A. Thinning of material creates these hinges.

[0099] The support is handled using tab 714. The tab is attached tosection 704 by a hinge 707 and is made up from a part of section 711.Under this tab there is the first part 720A of a Velcro fastener that isattached to the second part 720B. This second part is stuck on thesection 726B. This fastener is used to maintain the support folded up.

[0100] A self-adhesive rubber band 728 is fixed in the lower part ofsurface 708 to prevent the pocket computer from slipping to a workingsurface.

[0101] In an alternative preferential design, the opposite face of anyof the two sections 726A and 726B could be stuck to surface 708, byfolding up these sections under the support and not towards the ends ofthe pocket computer. Section 726B being thus folded up, the 720B part ofVelcro fastener would be stuck directly on surface 708.

[0102] In the same way, in an alternative preferential design, sections711 and 712 could be folded up towards lower of the pocket computer whenthe support is fold up, and not under section 704. In this design, the720A parts and 720B of the Velcro fasteners would be stuck respectivelyon sections 712 and 708.

[0103] Similar self-adhesive support having vertical hinges can be usedto tilt articulated cover such as ring binders. These support comprisedvertical hinges having spacing corresponding to the binder thickness. Inan alternate conception a multitude of hinges are integrated in order toaccommodate binders of various thickness. Here again, the flexible bandmay be vertically split to facilitate folding of the cover.

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. A collapsible support allowingtilting or elevating an object, which is folded up and dissimulated intothe surface of the object, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid generallyplane and rectangular mobile part that serves as support and which, whenthe support is folded up, is embedded into the surface of the object tobecome part of it; wherein the mobile part is attached to the object byan articulation located between a linear section of the contour of themobile part and the corresponding linear section internal to theframework formed by the region where the mobile part is embedded, thusgiving the mobile part a liberty of rotation around the articulationaxis; that rotation being limited in a direction by a flexible bandwhose end is attached to the mobile part by another articulationparallel to the preceding one, and whose other end is attached toanother linear section internal to the framework by a third articulationparallel to the two preceding ones; and that rotation being limited inthe other direction by a physical constraint on which the mobile partcome up against, thus limiting the rotation of the mobile part to anorientation making this mobile part coplanar to the surface of theobject.
 2. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexibleband is made up of a flexible material.
 3. The collapsible support asclaimed in 1 wherein the flexible band is made up of two rigid partsattached together by an articulation parallel to the three otherarticulations described in claim
 1. 4. The collapsible support asclaimed in 1 wherein the flexible band is made up of a rigid part and ofa flexible material part attached together by an articulation parallelto the three other articulations described in claim
 1. 5. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible band isdissimulated flatly under the mobile part when the support is folded. 6.The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the mobile part internalface includes a notch sized to fit the flexible band when the support isfolded.
 7. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexibleband is folded back up to the back of the object surface to maintain thecollapsible support in its folded position.
 8. The collapsible supportas claimed in 7 wherein the back of the object surface includes a cavitysized to fit the flexible band.
 9. The collapsible support as claimed in1 integrated to the surface, to the case or to the lid of a calculator,a pocket computer, a portable audio device or a similar article.
 10. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 1 integrated to the cover of a ringbinder, an album, a book, a portfolio or a similar article having arigid or semi-rigid articulated cover.
 11. The collapsible support asclaimed in 10 wherein the mobile part integrates the continuation of oneor all the articulations of the cover.
 12. The collapsible support asclaimed in 11 wherein the flexible band is split vertically in two partsover the folding region of the cover.
 13. The integration of a number ofcollapsible supports as claimed in 1 to a single object.
 14. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 10 wherein the mobile part, theflexible band, its articulations and the object surface to which theyare integrated are formed as an integral plastics molding.
 15. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 14 wherein the plastics material isselected from the group offering the necessary flexibility andconsisting of polypropylene and a copolymer of butadiene and styrene.16. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein printing or embossedinformation are displayed on the external surface of the mobile part.17. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein a small pocket beingable to contain a paper sheet is attached to the external surface of themobile part.
 18. A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating anobject comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid generally plane and rectangularmobile part that serves as support and which, when the support is foldedup, settle flatly on the surface of the object; wherein the mobile partis attached to the object by an articulation located between the mobilepart and a generally rectangular extremity that sticks to the objectsurface, thus giving the mobile part a liberty of rotation around thearticulation axis; that rotation being limited in a direction by aflexible band whose end is attached to the mobile part by anotherarticulation parallel to the preceding one, and whose other end isattached by a third articulation parallel to the two preceding ones toanother generally rectangular extremity that sticks to the objectsurface; and that rotation being limited in the other direction by theobject surface.
 19. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein theflexible band is made up of a flexible material.
 20. The collapsiblesupport as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible band is made up of tworigid parts attached together by an articulation parallel to the threeother articulations described in claim
 18. 21. The collapsible supportas claimed in 18 wherein the flexible band is made up of a rigid partand of a flexible material part attached together by an articulationparallel to the three other articulations described in claim
 18. 22. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible band isdissimulated flatly between the mobile part and the object surface. 23.The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible band isdissimulated flatly externally to mobile part.
 24. The collapsiblesupport as claimed in 18 wherein the mobile part includes one or manyarticulations.
 25. The collapsible support as claimed in 24 wherein theflexible band the flexible band is split vertically in two parts overits folding region.
 26. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 whereinthe mobile part, the flexible band, its extremities and itsarticulations are formed from a single plastics strip.
 27. Thecollapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the mobile part, theflexible band, its extremities and its articulations are formed as anintegral plastics molding.
 28. The collapsible support as claimed in 26or 27 wherein the plastics material is selected from the group offeringthe necessary flexibility and consisting of polypropylene and acopolymer of butadiene and styrene.
 29. The collapsible support asclaimed in 18 wherein printing or embossed information are displayed onthe external surface of the mobile part.
 30. The collapsible support asclaimed in 18 wherein a small pocket being able to contain a paper sheetis attached to the external surface of the mobile part.